The Cox Family

Return of the Prodigal Son and His Wife

2012-02-04T15:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I admit that's a stretch, but we truly have good reason to celebrate this week-end. My brother returned from his 3rd Air Force deployment last month and he and his wife were able to come and celebrate his safe homecoming with us this week-end. (well, they are still here, I'm just taking a moment to blog because the kiddos are napping:))

Allie and Aunt Leslie

(celebrating with breakfast at the Cracker barrel on Friday morning)

Allie and Uncle Andrew

This morning, after a breakfast of pancakes we headed out to a farm that Leslie's family owns (her grandma was actually born in the farmhouse that is still on the property) and explored the barns and outbuildings.

There was a beautful dusting of snow that only fell while we were there. It really added to the whole "Iowa farm in winter" ambiance.

My bro and his trusty companion, Boomer

My dad and my brother

From L to R, Andrew, Dad and Clint

The pups, Lola and Boomer

You might have noticed the kids were not in most of the pics, they were snuggled in the nearby car watching Dora and enjoying themselves. :)

a hike in the woods

2012-02-02T20:45:00.000-06:00

Clint had a volleyball game after work today so the kiddos and I were on our own for the evening and dinner. It has been so nice (40 and 50 degrees outside) so we decided to go for a hike in the woods (one of Cal's most favorite pasttimes). I packed our dinner in some lunchboxes and we headed out to our favorite park cross country course.

Allie is SO very attached to her purse and her phone- she takes her purse every where I take my purse and talks to her friends on her plastic Dora phone most of the time we are in the car.

By the time I could get my camera out, Cal had already run down the first hill. Did I say he loves this park?!

I tried to get another pic of my sweet kids on the bench, but Allie was so interested in what was in her purse that it distracted them both.

A perfect picture of my boy doing what he loves best-

Ok- let my take a minute to steer away from the wonderful walk and expand a little on this girl and her fashion sense. I have to tell you that I am secretly in love with the bizzare things that she loves to wear. Notice the pink (garden tools) bag, the pink and leopard fur coat, the black and white striped socks on top of brown pants, and the pink Dora boots. I admire her and sometimes wish that I had her wardrobe so I could try out some of the funky things she wears- although I am not sure that I would be as well received as she is. :) I am not a creative dresser but at the ripe old age of two, my daughter is quietly encouraging me to take more risks. Thanks, miss.

a sweet impromptu hug

and then dinner in our backseat of the van listening to my kiddos favorite music and warming up. We all had a great time.

January still...

2012-01-26T19:48:00.000-06:00

We are still enjoying winter type activities and the kiddos are still content to be inside most of the time, although Cal asks at least 4 times a week to go to the zoo. Soon, buddy.

Enjoying the snow last Saturday.

Sledding in the backyard

Tuxy boy enjoying a blanket left in the kitchen - the little guy will take anything he can get to stay warm. He is not enjoying the winter.

A tent found its way out of storage and into Cal's room- He and Allie loved playing and pretending in it-

and then he enjoyed sleeping in it last night and tonight, too. Sweet dreams, sweet boy

January stuff

2012-01-17T19:52:00.000-06:00

Cal has spent a lot of time playing in the water lately- whether he is in the bath tub (daily) or playing with his toys in the bathroom sink. (they were at the beach :)) He told me today that he wants to go swimming. Oh my water baby is just like his mama.

A family Christmas present- a new tablet with all kinds of kid friendly games (and netflix). I speak for everyone when I say we love it!

We are still cooking and experimenting with gluten free, milk free foods. We made sugar cookies with frosting for the kids' Sunday School class and they turned out great. Allie is lovong all of the time we spend together in the kitchen.

Silly story- Cal is forever squinting his eyes when I am taking pictures of him, exhibit a

exhibit b

so, me in my silliness, decided it would be funny if we had a squinty picture together- but he decided to have a fabulous picture. darn it!

my guy

playing "stinky feet" with daddy

watching the squirrels in the backyard after church

My budding artist is enjoying coloring with friends,

and painting with her brother. Girlfriend has at least a dozen paintings she has completed in the last few days. It is definitely her favorite pasttime at the moment.

new

2012-01-14T06:59:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! In the tradition of welcoming in a new year, there have been some changes in the family diet. (basically caleb's diet). After doing some research and talking to our doctor, Cal is currently on a gluten free, dairy free diet. It has been going pretty well and has me in the kitchen experimenting a lot more than usual- which I enjoy. It also has my dad frequenting a local health food shop in search of white sandwich bread that meets the dietary requirements and tastes good- a big challenge.We have seen some good things in the past 3 weeks. :) This isn't the only thing going on but some other pics are on a camera somewhere in my house. When it is located, I will share more.

grilled cheese sandwich success!

Christmas in a nutshell

2012-01-02T20:56:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Eve we went to service at our church and then returned to my parents house to spend the evening eating our traditional fondue dinner, then indulging in a few Christmas sweets and then finally adjourning to the living room to open presents with my grandparents.

Allie was the official "I can help you open your gift" gift opener- with the occasional, "I can open your gift myself" moments.:)

my girl

I thought this was a funny picture only because it looks like we have left her alone at a table full of goodies when in actuality there was a table full of people ready to hand her anything she wanted.

My babies were so full of excitement and loved on each other all evening. It was wonderful.

Christmas morning and Santa came and brought baby doll accessories (stroller, high chair, pac'n'play, etc.)

and animals and sticker books for this guy (oh,and trail mix- heaven baby!)

Then it was on to the Cox Christmas celebration- kids madly opening presents (Allie flanked by her two cousins)

followed by adults madly opening their presents

followed by gag gifts- a celebrated Cox family tradition

followed by sheer exhaustion.

(wow, it kind of made me tired just looking back on all of the fun we had!)

just a litle bit

2011-12-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

I promise I will get my act together and post more pics- but in the mean time- here is a pic of my babies on Christmas Eve in their matching pajamas loving on each other. awww

Christmas Program

2011-12-11T19:39:00.000-06:00

We had our annual Christmas program at church this morning. The kids sang "This Little Light of Mine"- it was perfect. :) After the song was over, Caleb yells out, "Let's do it again!"

(more pictures of our Christmas fun to come)

a good kind of busy

2011-12-04T10:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess I kind of left off at Thanksgiving, so we have officially transitioned into Christmas time at our house. It has come gradually. First with the Christmas train making its debut,

then the ornaments, stockings and nativity scene. Caleb promptly confiscated all of the animals and gave Baby Jesus rides around the living room. I was in the kitchen and had to smile when I heard, "Baby Jesus, hang on!".

Another nativity scene arrived at our house soon after. I have had my eye on the "Little People" nativity scene for the last two years and finally decided to buy it before our kids got too old for it. It is very loved, especially because it has another baby Jesus, (one for each kid) and a camel.

Then, on Friday, Allie got her adnoids taken out and tubes put in her ears. She was right at home in the hospital bed and pleased with all of the toys and ballons she received. She did very well with the surgery and hopefully her ears will drain and she won't have any more hearing issues.

After surgery she came home and napped and then enjoyed an ENTIRE can of Dora shapes in chicken broth. SHe loved picking out all of the swipers and eating them. :) "Look mom, another swiper!"

Because of the 3 day recovery time for Allie, we have been busy doing quiet things around the house. We made Christmas tree ornaments and crafty gingerbread houses.

(Lest you think I am the craftiest mama of all, let me reassure you I am not. I bought these for 59 cents each at the dollar store.) Yahoo!

The Christmas books came out last night and this was the scene for a good 15 minutes.

Then Clint came home with the tree and Cal was right there to help him with everything. "Here you go, Dad. Here are the lights, Dad. Take this, Dad" Loved every minute!

Miss stepping in to help.

Mom, this one is for you! This was her favorite. :)

After all of the decorating, Clint and I sat down to a delicious dinner that a friend brought over. Thank you! :)

oh, and I had to include these- this is Cal's new smile for the camera. Silly Goose!

We've had a good time...

2011-11-27T21:42:00.000-06:00

making Christmas cookies,

playing with friends that were in town for the holiday,

hosting our first Thanksgiving,

managing to seat 12 in our kitchen,

playing with cousins and aunts and uncles,

playing pin-the-hat on the turkey,

watching "Dora" and snuggling,

reading books with cousins,

and having the "Clean-up" fairy visit after all of the festivities.

I just looked over to see...

2011-11-17T18:30:00.000-06:00

Mother/ Daughter Night

2011-11-17T16:22:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday evening Allie and I celebrated being girls at Chick Fil A when they hosted their Mother/ Daughter night. We dressed up, we ate Chick Fil A with our friends and enjoyed a photographer, roses, make-up and a horse drawn carriage ride. Chick Fil A really went all out.

My first attempt at french braiding! I think it was a success! :)

Our friends

Allie admiring the horses

What a fun night!

Birthday Birthday Birthday Birthday

2011-11-11T18:45:00.001-06:00

We are just beginning to recover from the crazy celebration week we had last week. :) What fun we had!

We celebrated with the Allers on Wedneday evening with a visit to the museum, pizza and ice cream (from Maggie Moos- what a treat!)

Such a BOY! I love watching him play with cars in the mud on a sunny November afternoon.

Then we celebrated with my parents and grandparents on Thursday with fajitas and turtle brownies. I took all of the pics on my mom's camera...

so fast forward to Friday night with the Cox family and the Dinosaur Train b-day cake!

Cal and Allie were so excited (or all hyped up on birthday!) that they ran laps in the front yard waiting for cousins to come over.

My boy after his 3rd party in 3 days- what a cutie pie.

4 years old and lovin' life

We celebrated for the 4th and final time on his real birthday, Monday by going to the park after school with Jimmy Johns sandwiches (slim 6 for Cal) then heading out to Chick Fil A for dinner where he was treated like royalty. They gave him an ice cream sundae, balloons, a stuffed cow and made his birthday extra special. Whew, well, 4 parties for a 4 year old. I don't think we can (or should) make this a tradition, but it was fun while it lasted.

four

2011-11-07T19:56:00.000-06:00

Four years ago this evening I became a mama. Happy Birthday my sweet Caleb.

Caleb was given this crown to wear during preschool today and he kept it on until bedtime tonight. What a happy day he had. (more pics of the birthday palooza to follow)

SO much fun!

2011-11-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

We had quite an amazing time getting ready for and celebrating Halloween. It is the first year that our kids really got into the whole "trick or treating" thing and it was a blast for all of us.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

On Friday morning I got to fulfill one of my longtime dreams- accompanying my big guy to the pumpkin patch with his preschool class. Cal had a blast seeing the patch, picking out a pumpkin, riding on a wagon pulled by a tractor, meeting all kinds of new animal friends and playing with his classmates in the sand pit and tunnels. Clint took the day off and took Allie to a nearby apple orchard where she also had a fabulous morning and came home to tell me about the donkey that says "eee aww" and her black gourd (that Clint says she picked out from all kinds of pretty pumpkins- silly girl).

Big Girl Bed

2011-10-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at church there was a request for a crib and changing table that a new mama needed asap. Well, Allie (and Clint and I ) decided her bed would be the one we would give to the baby. She asked if the baby also needed her plug and blankie? I told her not her blankie but she could definitely give her plug to the new baby- she decided she wasn't ready to go that far. :) ("it's mine".)

She helped Clint clear off the bed and then tear it down- while we were reminding her that she was getting a"Big Girl bed"! Yay! She was all about it until the crib was down and then she was a little worried about where she was going to be sleeping...

aww, don't worry sis.

Yay! The Big Girl bed is a hit- although she told Clint that she wouldn't sleep on it, just jump on it. We shall see...

adventures

2011-09-21T07:49:00.000-05:00

Almost 2 weeks ago I was invited to my cousins house with Allie to have a girl's week-end and Clint and Cal were planning on camping out for the week-end at Scott County park- but the weather had other ideas. They ended up hiking in the woods for the afternoon and then heading back home to sleep. Here they are ready for their afternoon camping adventure. Cal has hiking boots and his backpack and water bottle. His daddy has him hooked up. We are going to try camping as a family this Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

And while they guys were having fun- so were the girls! We spent a leisurely week-end walking with our girls (Allie 2 yrs and Lucie 6 mos.),

having tea parties

lovin' our babies

and relaxing in the tub.

Allie is in love with Lucie and it's easy to be. This sweet baby is the most content little gal and has the prettiest big blue eyes. My cousin Sara and I have always been close- I refer to her as the sister I never had- and we spent a wonderful week-end enjoying each other and the company of our girls who are closer in age than Sara and I. We are truly blessed.

Last Sunday was my mama's birthday (and Clint's mom's) . I took my mom to pick her own birthday flowers at Miss Effie's flower farm in Donahue. I didn't take my camera and I regret it but here is the fruit of my labor. We had an amazing time picking flowers, oohing and ahhing over all the different varities and just spending some quality time together.

Yesterday morning we took a nice long walk on the cross country path at Crow Creek park. Who knew such lovliness was 5 min away from our home in the middle of town. We had a amazing, tranquil time and my little ones walked their legs off. and seriously, could Cal look more like a football player?! He now carries a football most any place we go. When it's not with him, it's in his bed. I have joked that God made him to be a football player (although I am not really sure how I feel about that) with his big stature- 50 lbs. and goodness know how tall. He comes up to my elbow at 3 1/2.!

my sweet babies

Our tree is dropping leaves already- no one else on the block has any leaves in their yards and so it looks like we can't get our acts together to clean up our yard. I think it's pretty funny, but Clint has already raked up these leaves. :)

silly kids

2011-09-04T07:22:00.000-05:00

My babies having some play time in Allie's bed- they are so silly together

Cal and Allie have also decided that they like to eat breakfast together- and when I say together, I mean on the same chair. They both enjoy it and eat off of their own plates. I am enjoying this wonderful stage of lovin' on each other that they are in.

Allie and I picked up some plastic dishes at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago and this girl has played hostess to anyone lucky enough to come over to our house. Henry stopped by to play and was treated to a party with "babies" ( officially Baby Ice Cream and Baby Bertha) and Moe Cat. Henry brought his Moe Cat and the cats were strolled around the yard in baby strollers when there was a lull in the party.

Clint bought Cal his own back pack (more like a fanny pack- but all of the camping back packs were way too big, even the kid sized ones) for a father- son camping trip they have planned for next week-end. As most any little sister would do, Allie has decided it is her back pack and wears it around during the day and insists that I pack her a lunch and pack it in her back pack just like Cal gets.

First Day of School

2011-08-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Go Bears

2011-08-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

We are ready and waiting for you football season!

summer things

2011-07-27T07:28:00.000-05:00

DIY projects- a new floor for our kitchen ! yay! We are working on the cabinets and will reveal when they are done.

Playing in the water at the Family Museum

Enjoying a Dilly bar at Dairy Queen- I ordered the Dilly bar for myself but ended up eating the kid's cone- hmmm. Caleb said he didn't want any ice cream so he got Cheetos- they shared the cheetos and the Dilly bar. Talk about a snack!

vacay

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to Lake of the Ozarks to spend a little quality family time- we rented a condo with my parents, my brother and his wife and her parents. It was a fantastic time and we look forward to our next family trip. We stayed at a super nice condo and the kiddos loved the HUGE bath tub.

It was just a quick walk to the pool overlooking the lake.

We spent time at the pool at least twice a day. The weather was warm and perfectly summer.

The guys brought their guitars and we jammed out at random times during the day. Cal got into the action with some spoons. Such a musical kid!

Allie got the Grandma spa treatment, pink toes.

The kiddos claimed the pool table in the lower level and spent a lot of their free time playing with the balls. At one point I came down and Cal had the balls lined up numerically. Allie begged her uncle Andrew to play with the pool table balls at least 4-5 times a day. He always obliged- thanks Drew!

We also went to see some caves at the Ozark National Park- Cal and Allie loved our walk in the woods, but the minute I mentioned we were going to a cave with bats (silly mommy) Cal got a little apprehensive about the whole adventure. Still we had lots of fun on our tour.

Allie and her papa

oh, and our garden is fantastic! Makes me want to turn my whole backyard into a garden and live off the land- well, not really. :)

2nd and 4th

2011-07-05T21:30:00.000-05:00

resting up before all of the fun

Caleb has been asking to go to the zoo for the last couple of weeks so on Saturday we took the boy (and his sis) to the zoo. It was a fun (hot) morning. Allie has since been telling people that she "rode the panda at the zoo and Caleb rode the elephant". (on the Carousel) but it makes it a much more interesting story to leave that part out.

Then after naps, we set off a few fireworks in our backyard.

On Sunday, Allie's 2nd birthday, she was dedicated at church. In our church we believe that as children, we (their parent's ) dedicate them to the Lord and promise to raise them in a Christian home and then when they can make the commitment to accept Jesus as their personal Savior they can choose to be baptized.

Then it was party time! We had a party for Allie to celebrate her dedication and her birthday.

Allie enjoyed all of the people and her juice box (es?). :)

new Dora boots

July 4th we enjoyed the parade with Grandma and Papa

We finished off the crazy week-end by going to watch the fireworks (a first time for both of the kids). They were great even when we stayed up until almost 11! They had so much fun playing football with daddy and chasing each other and of course eating popcorn. What a fun week-end. Next week-end it's a family vacay to the Lake of the Ozarks!

week-end update

2011-07-02T07:32:00.001-05:00

We have been enjoying our summer- so much that I have tons of pics and haven't taken the time to blog- so here we go... I have been getting ready for vacation Bible School (which has a western theme). I am going to be teaching the 1-3 graders. Unfortunately it is for 4-12 year olds so Cal will have to wait until next year to attend. Allie is having fun dresing up in my new duds, though. :)

As for the pacifier in these pics- I think she knows it's on its way out- she has started sneaking it from her bed during the day... This one's gonna be hard on both her and her mommy and daddy. not looking forward to it.

We have also been enjoying swimming lessons in our friend's pool. My mom and I are teaching (and playing with) the kiddos and they have come such a long way in such a short time. Allie likes the water now and is able to kick, float with help, put her face in and loves to jump in and climb up the ladder. Cal is able to kick with a floatie, blow bubbles, put his face in and jump in. He is so comfortable in the water, too and it is a joy to see my water babies loving swimming as much as I do.

We are spending a lot of time enjoying our backyard, especially the kiddie pool and the picnic table. We have enjoyed many breakfasts and lunches al fresco. Allie has just started having some major bug aversions- breakdown city. Hopefully this annoying stage goes away as fast as it came.

Bedtime lovin' with daddy

We went to a drum circle at the local library on Thursday (along with another 125 people!) with grandma and papa. Cal had the time of his life- he loves rhythm and music and while Allie gets shy and reserved in public, Cal lets it all out as you can tell by the pics.

Happy 2nd Birthday to my sweet girl, tomorrow!

Thanks Word World

2011-06-23T07:47:00.000-05:00

Cal has started to really enjoy watching Word World and I will tell you- that boy has picked up a bunch of new words that he can... SPELL!
His list includes;
Cow, pig, bear, frog, cake, log, dog, hat, cat and of course, Caleb! Pretty impressive!
The morning these were taken, he saw the cake on the table and immediately went and got the letters from the fridge games to spell cake. No prompting, nothing. Just a 3 year old brain hard at work. Makes a mama proud.

friends

2011-06-13T07:04:00.002-05:00

another delayed update...

2011-05-31T13:38:00.000-05:00

We have been enjoying our new summer schedule, the one that seems to get busier every summer. It is so much fun to watch our kids learn, grow and discover. Cal went fishing for the first time with his Papa and LOVED it. He learned to cast (without and hook) and liked watching the "fishies swimming n the water!".

Clifford has come to the Family Museum for the summer and we have already gone to visit him and all of his friends twice. Cal is a HUGE Clifford fan and so he and Allie had a blast seeing scenes from the tv show brought to life. This stage is a part of one of Cal's favorite episodes and he could have stayed and danced on the stage all night.

Allie has a new hobby of taking Tuxedo (our dog) and Moe Cat on walks around the block. She is quite a character- all of our neighbors enjoy the sight. I"ll try and get a pic of her walking the dog soon.

Painting is also a new hobby for my girl. :)

For Memorial Day we went to the Pioneer village in Scott County Park for some "old fashioned" fun. There were people dressed in period clothing and all of the pioneer village was open. People were making brooms, soap and apple juice. We went with some friends and Allie and their daughter are 6 weeks apart and inseparable. So precious to watch them hold hands and look at all of the new things.

Cal's favorite part was the popcorn and the apple jiuce. Here he is watching apple juice being made in an apple press.

After a fun morning and naps (for both kids! yay!) we went over to my parents for a picnic. What a fantastic day.

Enjoying the nice (hot) weather

2011-05-12T09:59:00.000-05:00

The girls (my mom, Alie and I ) celebrated Mother's Day with my mom a day early by having her over for breakfast and then a trip to the Farmer's Market.

We have been enjoying the (all of a sudden) summer temps (93 degrees on Tuesday!) by playing in our backyard. Oh warm weather, how we have missed you! Cal is such a water kid, and Allie could take it or leave it but she tries to keep up with him. She will put up with a lot but refuses to play in our Elmo sprinkler. "No want Elmo water."

Easter leftovers and Mother's Day anticipation

2011-05-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

It was a tradition in my family growing up that we would help Grandma decorate a bunny cake on the Saturday before Easter. Evidently the tradition was well loved by my cousins and I- although we were not together on Easter, pictures of our bunny cakes were texted across Iowa to each other. Here's the one Clint and I made. Maybe next year we'll trust the kids to decorate it and not just eat the icing and jelly beans. :)

I did not get a good Easter pic of the kiddos- even though I tried to bribe them with goldfish...

the best one I got- not even posed, these kids love each other!

Allie and I went to my grandma's church for their annual Mother/ Daughter banquet. My grandma, my mom and Allie and I were all there. 4 Generations!

Easter Egg Dyeing Fun

2011-04-23T07:25:00.001-05:00

It all started off so inncocent...

then the eggs start to get cracked and peeled after they have been dyed...

then they are eaten :)

then Cal starts becoming a chemist and mixing egg dyes and stirring them with his fingers

Mr. greenie

and these four eggs are the only ones who made it through the experience. Kids really do make holidays more fun.

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

Let's Go Fly a Kite and introducing Nature Boy

2011-04-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

Well, cheesy title, but that's exactly what we did on Wednesday afternoon. I think I have only flown a kite once in my life, but I enjoyed it as much as the kids- although, according to Clint, I don't really know the logistics of flying a kite. Like what to do when it starts diving- yep, don't know. :) But boy, did we have a good time.

Caleb was so excited, he could hardly stand still to fly his kite, he kept saying, "mama, a kite!"

Allie actually flying her Barbie kite! Go girl!

Cal and his Daddy

After kites we went walking in the woods by our house.

Caleb loves to be outdoors- it makes Clint excited to take him on father/ son camping excursions.

Caleb was climbing on trees and exploring- what a boy! I loved watching every minute of it. (By this time Allie was back in the car playing games with her Daddy- quite over the whole woods experience.)

the great outdoors

2011-04-11T15:04:00.000-05:00

Allie and her papa

On Saturday we spent the day out at Gramma and Papa's camper at Alpha Lake in Il. It was a beautiful day and the kiddos enjoyed getting DIRTY and playing outside all day. (notice Allie's bum- all dirt!) :)

Cal is such an outdoors kind of kid and he loved digging in the dirt and lifting up the rocks to find bugs. I am just glad we didn't see any snakes while we were out exploring.

After our walks and some play time at the park- we sat around and snacked- the kids' favorite part? peanuts in the shell.

Although my Mister loves the outdoors- it doesn't seem to like him as much. He plays in the dirt, the mud and the dead leaves and then breaks out all over his face. :( It doesn't seem to bother him and it goes away after a good night sleep but it bothers me.

On Sunday Clint and his parents tackled another outside job- chopping down our dead cherry tree in our backyard. Thanks Denny and Tonya!

My Miss, sad she couldn't go out and help Gramma and Papa.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

Well, almost... I am going to snag a good idea from my friend Rebecca- enjoy...

The pics I promised

2011-03-24T15:17:00.001-05:00

Sweet sick Allie- this was taken last Tuesday after her medicine change- this was the first day that she could sit up with only the support of pillows. This was our glimpse of a girl that was showing signs of feeling a bit better and wanting to play with a few toys.

These were taken last Wednesday when we saw signs that Allie's new medicine was working and she had a bit more of an appetite. I had to put a bow in her hair since she wasn't able to wear much more than a hospital gown- and at this point in our journey we were still battling some of Allie's fevers so the less clothing, the better.

These pics were taken last Thursday when she was able to be unhooked from most of her monitors and her IV. She was able to go upstairs to floor 3 to participate in crafts and playtime with other kids staying at the hospital. ( and walked again!) It was quite a blessing to have activities for her and for me to be able to hold a conversation with other adults. Here she is snuggling with her dolly (thanks Lisa!) and eating chocolate chip cookies (thanks Aunt Deb).

Combing dolly's hair

Clint and I fed Allie her dinner and then sat down to enjoy our Thursday date dinner (pulled pork sand and fries a la hospital) and our little caged animal pulled herself up for the first time and begged for french fries. :) We enjoyed every minute of having our Allie back.

In the in between time, Allie did a lot of playing and a lot of walking and a lot of healing. I had my camera, but didn't realize it until we were about to leave the hospital.

fast forward to this morning- my Miss holding her hairbows and watching Curious George while telling Caleb something. heaven.

...and all is back to normal. I couldn't be happier.

the rest of the story...

2011-03-22T13:25:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, we went back to Ia City on Sunday thinking that we were facing another hurdle in the "getting Allison well" marathon, however, there was a miscommunication in numbers between the hospitals, nothing more. fantastic. We are more comfortable, surprisingly, in Ia city and the care here is wonderful. Allie will miss her many nurse friends, her "straight up" apple juice, her chicken fingers at the push of a button and getting mommy's full attention all day long. We will all be happy to be home tonight and sleeping in our own beds.
In the mean time, Allie has had her last labs today, will have her PICC line removed this evening and has already passed her hearing tests. Things are quickly moving towards her release and we couldn't be more overjoyed. She is once again a happy, healthy and feisty little girl that she was 2 1/2 weeks ago.
Thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We have seen God's mighty hand in all that has happened and have become stronger in Him and as a family. We will be hugging our little ones a little tighter from now on and appreciating each new day that God sends our way. Pics will be in the next post, promise.

The gal is back in town

2011-03-19T07:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon Miss thang was released to Genesis East in Davenport to finish up her antibiotic treatment. We are delighted to say the least but I guess I didn't anticiapte all of the preliminary crap (for lack of a better word) that the new hospital had to do just to get her back to where we were in Iowa City. When we arrived we sent the nurses into somewhat of a craze. They were seemingly overwhelmed by having a toddler diagnosed with such a serious illness under their care. Where is her PICC line?, what can she eat?How old is she? bacterial or viral meningitis? ummm, it's all written on your orders- I hope! After the inital hullabaloo, everything calmed down and she recieved the kind of care that professionals can deliver. I am quite sure she was the topic of conversation at several households last night- with no HIPAA violations of course. :)
(Allie was driven to the hospital in Davenport by Clint and his parents, she slept the whole way and Clint said she was LIVID when they showed up at another hospital- poor Miss. Please pray that she will have peace in the hopsitals and sleep well. As she is becoming more and more well, she is more and more irritated by the whole situation. (good and bad)
Allie will continue her antibiotics until Tuesday night when she will be released. Please pray that she will stay the course and her little body will recover completely with no long terms side affects. One potential side affect is hearing loss, however she has shown no signs that it might be a possibility. Her hearing will be tested before she is released.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. God is faithful and He is healing my baby.

Allie is walking (again)!!

2011-03-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a day of miracles. Allie was taken off of her many monitors and allowed to go upstairs for a craft time with other kids on the peds floor. She wore clothes for the first time in a week (jeggings, her Hello Kitty socks and a hospital gown only because she was still hooked up to an IV). We played in the playroom and did a craft and then she wanted to play on the Barbie bike that was in the play room. That gal straddled that bike and her litle legs went to work pushing her forwards and backwards while on of the playroom volunteers tried to manuever her IV pole. :) I was so pleased- she has not used her legs for any kind of exercise in over a week- nine days to be exact. I was thrilled to see her take off.
THEN- she looked up at me and said, "I walk". Keeping in mind that her meningitis affects the spinal column, I had no idea what the reality of walking would be or what kind of time frame we were talking- days, months- nobody knew. I got a little choked up and a little nervous and said ok. She grabbed my hand and that sweet baby limped her way down the hall- 10 steps with her little legs trying to remember what they were supposed to be doing or trying to overcome the stiffness or soreness- I didn't know. I told her she didn't have to do it if it hurt her too much and she kept walking and walked until that limp went away. (Insert a mama's heart exploding with joy!) She walked and walked and looked at everything from the tiles on the floor to the fishies in the tanks. She was a bit unsteady with only socks on in an all tile environment but still managed to do her mama proud.
We called Clint and told him the good news and asked him to bring her up some shoes so she could really get going. (insert Daddy's heart exploding with joy!)
Later that night after a chicken strip and some cottage cheese and a 1/2 of a cookie (the most she has eaten in 9 days) Clint and I put her in her crib so we could eat dinner. That girl pulled her litle body up on the crib rails and stood and begged for french fries while we ate. The first pulling up was a bit hard for her and Clint mentioned, wasn't that so interesting, her mind knows she should be able to do it and her body is struggling to keep up. After about the third pulling up it was once again natural like she had always been able to do it.

I have pics but they are on the camera at the hospital- I will post them as soon as I am able. Thank you for the amazing prayers and support. Please pray today for the decision to move Allie from Iowa City back to the quad cities. We have given the ok for her to be moved but the hospital in the QC needs to accept her as a patient in order for her to be moved. We only want the best for her- please pray that if she should not be back in the QC yet, that the hospital will not accept her as a patient.

So happy to post good news. Your prayers are so powerful- her life and recovery are a testament to that. We love you all.

roller coaster

2011-03-16T12:07:00.000-05:00

Just popping in to say we are feeling your prayers! Allie had a really hard day yesterday- lethargic and feverish which is so hard to see after she has been improving. Dr. said she is having an allergic reaction to meds that are treating her meningitis. So- now the meds have been changed and I have seen my baby girl again after 8 days! So nice to see her acting more and more like herself. She is currently sitting up in her bed eating a cheese stick and laughing at her favorite movie. She wants the drs to listen to all of her stuffed animals hearts when they come in and requests chocolate milk from them. :) Which they happily get her.

Still waiting on labs- but things are going well today. Keep the prayers coming- thank you all for being a part of our village. much love.

I don't really want to tell the story,

2011-03-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

until it has a happy ending- but here it goes before we know the happy ending. Allie has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and yes, it is just as scary as it sounds- especially in a 20 month old. BUT, she is being treated at the U of I children's hospital with all of the best staff and drugs and is expected to be released next Monday after 10 days of treatment and yep, drugs. Please pray for a full recovery for her- they didn't catch it as fast as would have hoped but is showing improvement every day. Her blood work is all coming back with better and better numbers, but I know and believe in the power of prayer. Our family needs them.
I will update you soon.

Getting into the Spring of things

2011-03-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

We have been anxiously anticipating the arrival of warmer weather, but in the mean time we are making the best of staying inside on yet another dreary cold day. yuck.

With that being said, my mom and I took the kiddos to the Putnam museum on Saturday afternoon while my dad had school business and Clint is STILL sick. Poor guy. I had no expectations of the museum and haven't visited it in a long time and it turned out to be one of the best outings of the winter. We all had a great time. Here's Allie peeking out of a tree fort.

and Cal

The Putnam had great exhibits about local experiences through the years from cutting ice out of the river so people could stock their ice boxes to Colonel Davenport and his legacy. Lots of things to touch and enjoy. Allie is taking her turn at driving the boat.

An under the sea room complete with sea creatures and aquariums.

Playing with Grandma in the yellow submarine.

Cal in the sub

Allie and I spent Friday on a mini shopping spree to add some spring to our house. This is the mural that we put up in Allie's room. She loves her tree and her "birdies", although she is constantly telling me that they need some more apple juice?! weird birds.

petting the birdies

(they are stickers and so I told her she needs to be gentle and she told me, " I no tear it")

smarty pants

Then- a little something to spring up my room. The mirror is still in the box and it is new. There was nothing above our headboard before. So this is kind of a before pic.

New springy bedding- thank you Walmart, Target and Kohls for making it possible to redecorate on a budget. :) There are white guazy curtains at the windows and tulips on the desk. It feels springy to me.

Here's hoping Spring gets the memo- hurry up!

goodbye February, don't let the door hit ya

2011-03-01T13:24:00.000-06:00

We have had quite a sick February which, I would normally say was very rare- until I think of last February.

Yuck!

We have had the flu (an awful strand that renders a person helpless and bedridden for at least 3 agonizing days) and bronchitis floating around our family. Poor Cal has missed quite a few days of school because of these nasty germs we can't seem to shake.

BUT-

we are welcoming a fresh month with renewed vigor and a clean house (as germ free as I can get it).

Welcome March!

Valentine's Day fun

2011-02-17T13:01:00.000-06:00

Grandma and Papa stopped by on Sunday to drop off some fun Valentine's Day gifts for the fam. Allie was just finishing lunch and was super excited to see the grandparents but especially the "presents!" She said it over and over and carried them both around (Cal was under the weather and in the middle of a (gasp) nap!?!)

She opened up her present (a princess towel and matching washcloth) and said; "a towel!" My mom about fell off the couch. She has such a fantastic vocabulary for a 19 month old!

My parents left before Cal was up for opening his present, so here you go mom and dad-

Cal got a frog towel and a matching washcloth- he said, "a frog!" and the proceeded to put his washcloth on one hand and Allie's on the other and entertain me with a rousing rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". Funny boy.

Snow Day Fun

2011-02-08T20:35:00.000-06:00

We had around 16 inches of snow fall last Tuesday night and so there was no school for Caleb on Wednesday. Oh the fun we had.

Allie and mom making cookies.

Oh, poor Tux. How he wishes he were back in Florida...

my children are so good at making messes- imagination at work?

chillin' in Allie's room (Cal is in her bed)

silly boy

watching daddy shovel the snow-

Allie's watched as she said over and over "my poor daddy, my poor daddy"

making Valentines

oh, and introducing the newest member of our family...

goodbye Impala, hello Odyssey

Starting school

2011-01-30T20:07:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday, Jan. 25, was a big day at our house. Caleb started preschool! This has been a process that has been hard at times, and I have questioned God and other people if this was the right decision for my boy. Clint and I have prayed about it and asked that God would make it abundantly clear whether or not we should take this path. The answers were easy to spot, the answer was a resounding "yes".

So last Tuesday, I took my little guy to his new school- which also happens to be the elementary school that Clint attended, and watched him walk happily away, hand in hand with his new teacher.

In the mean time, Allie and I have been enjoying a little one-on-one time doing "girl" things :)

like doing our make-up

and wearing our aprons to make muffins

and taking too many pictures I guess.

In this pic she is telling me "no more".

California (knows how to party)

2011-01-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

This week-end was the stuff a stay-at-home mama dreams of in the middle of an Iowa winter- or anytime really...

A good friend of mine turned 30 this week-end and we celebrated with a girls week-end in sunny San Diego CA at La Costa Resort and Spa. (yep, spaaa.. ahhhh) The birthday girl is the marketing director for the resort and we were treated to lavish accomodations and a wonderful welcome spread of chocolate covered strawberries, assorted cheeses and crackers, balloons and an adjoining room to the one we reserved.

The robes were heavenly and we probably spent more time in the robes than anything else this week-end. (we were provided robes everywhere we went- we did not spend all week-end in the same robe)

Who are we kidding?! These beds were made for jumping!

Me and the b-day girl

We enjoyed dining on the Pacific and each others company.

and eating fantastic seafood

We spent Saturday at the Spa

talking and

eating fantastic fare poolside before enjoying 80 minute massages

and trying to capture every tree and smell and moment to carry me through the next couple months until Spring.

Then, when my senses were over indulged, I settled back in my lounge chair to soak up some sunshine, 75 degree weather and read my favorite author's new book. (How pleasant of her to release a new book at just the right time)

We celebrated Dyan and her 30 years, and also her engagement to the man of her dreams on Saturday night with a trip to an Italian restaurant. Then she and I snuck away and enjoyed a quiet breakfast on the bay before I had to catch a plane back to reality. It was pure bliss-

Thank you a million, Dyan.

Dancing with Daddy

2011-01-15T20:11:00.000-06:00

Allie's new favorite pastime is DANCING! She loves to move and groove to any genre- here she is dancing to Dave Matthews. The girl has good taste.

(just as a side note, you may wonder why Caleb is always dressed weather appropriately and Allie is always half naked- well, it's because she prefers to be naked- she takes her shoes and socks off and then pulls at her shirts and pants and yells "nakie, nakie". She is so HOT to the touch all of the time, it's a wonder I didn't sweat to death while I was pregnant with her. It is hard to keep the girl dressed even in January. My parents tease that she is definitely MY daughter. At 18 mos. my parents started putting my clothes on backwards so I couldn't take them off. Silly girls!)

and Caleb's favorite past time is still playing in the snow. This morning he put his boots and and asked to go outside. After bundling him up the rest of the way, he and daddy walked about 6 blocks in the snow. Later in the day Clint ran an 8K in Scott County park and we were there to celebrate with him when he finished. (the kids enjoyed the cookies and cider) Caleb couldn't stand to be inside anymore when the cookies were gone and there was snow to be played in- so here we are outside. Yes, he has Allie's mittens on. His went MIA. (no worries, they were found and Allie was inside snuggled up with her daddy when this was taken.) Caleb couldn't care less about the color of the mittens as long as he was outside in the "no".

Favorite phrase of the winter: standing by the front window, "Look, it nowed, it nowed!"

2011

2011-01-05T12:41:00.001-06:00

We started the New Year celebrating a new member in our family. My cousin Eric and his new wife Lindsay were married on New Years Day.

My girl and her Papa

Caleb and Allie did a great job partying- even though they were up past their bedtime. Allie enjoyed all of the people and Caleb enjoyed his toys and the PB and J daddy packed him.

Our kids have so much rhythm. It was a riot watching them on the dance floor.

My cousin Sara and her hubby came and stayed with us for the week-end and brought gifts. This barn was a HUGE hit with both kids. It makes farm animals out of moon dough- Clint and I find it a little bit fascinating, too. :)

and here's the boy that never stands still. I was trying to photograph him with his "wall 'o animals" but he wouldn't cooperate. Silly monkey. He is all boy.

There we go... he received animal stickers from Santa and loves them! (so do I, they go on and peel off easily and don't take off the paint)

sweet boy

Christmas Eve Day

2010-12-29T07:58:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Eve morning we open our gifts as a family of four. It was so much fun this year with both kids being excited about opening and playing with their gifts. They still aren't really into the whole Santa thing- but they appreciate his generosity. :)

A girl and her Elmo

Allie's first dollhouse, a big hit with both kids

Checking out each other's presents

After presents, we hosted breakfast for my parents and my brother Andrew and his wife, Leslie.

Homemade cinnamon rolls and egg casserole... delish

and then, as if it couldn't get any better, we went sledding while it snowed. God is so gracious. What a wonderful way to spend the day with family.

Cal and his uncle Andrew. Caleb LOVED sledding. (Allie did not)

Aunt Leslie

Grandma and Cal

What a delicious way to start the day...

2010-12-23T08:06:00.000-06:00

Christmas cookies in our pajamas

a disclaimer: no worries, the coffee in above pic is cold.

a glimpse of our Christmas preparations

2010-12-14T13:19:00.000-06:00

Picking out our tree in a snow storm

17 months and a new hobby

2010-12-03T08:10:00.000-06:00

Yep, this little princess would love to be able to go to the potty on the big potty. I walked into the bathrrom this morning where she had already put the seat up, put on her little potty seat and was ready for me to put her on. All of you who are shocked at this- you can join my club. She shows all of the tell tale "ready for potty training" signs. She says potty, she tells me when she has "yuckies" and she loves the bathroom BUT her mom isn't ready to tackle potty training for a 17 month old. Call me crazy.

Mississippi River Museum

2010-12-01T08:59:00.000-06:00

Clint took Monday off from work and we enjoyed our road trip up to Dubuque to see some "big fishies". We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Clint and I genuinely enjoyed seeing the fascinating displays through the eyes of our children.

Caleb was so wonderfully overwhelmed by the aquarium, he couldn't help but turn around and hug me.

One of the highlights for all of us was watching a 4-D animated movie about turtles. It was in an IMAX theatre where we were sprayed with fog and water and had our seats vibrate during the exciting parts of the show. The movie was 25 min and both kids were engrossed the entire time.

The gals sportin' some sweet 3-D glasses

These fish were enormous- prehistoric in my opinion.

Miss made fast friends with this croc. (he is behind glass and under water- hard to tell in this pic)

We had such a great time. I highly recommend this adventure to anyone in the area.

As a side note: The next morning at the breakfast table, we were talking about the things we saw at the aquarium and Caleb said, "the fishies, the ducks and Daddy!" We enjoyed having a 5 day week-end with Daddy. It was hard to have him go back to work- both kids looked for him around the house all day.

boots, birthdays and basements

2010-11-16T06:48:00.000-06:00

Allie modeling her new "boos". She knows she is stylin'. :)

All day on his birthday, Cal asked for apple pie. Mind you that he has never had apple pie and so after promising him that I would find some apple pie for him we ended up at McDonalds after our mommy/ son trip to the zoo. (Oh so fun!) He scooped out all of the apple pie filling first and let his mommy eat the crust. What a sweet boy. :)

yep, that's the same dress. Miss A will be getting a new Christmas dress this year- but she will still be able to wear her dress from last year. What a thrifty gal. :)

Here are the (long-awaited ) stats:

Caleb 3 years: 42 inches tall and 43.6 lbs.

Allison at 16 mos: 30 inches tall and 22.4 lbs.

The biggest news of the week is... our basement is done (well, almost- it still needs trim) I will post pics of our new play room and family room when I can get a picture of a clean basment. We have already settled in and LOVE to play in our new space.

A night out

2010-11-09T21:39:00.000-06:00

We had a chance to enjoy the wonderful 70 degree weather tonight by going down to the river and feeding the ducks. Clint set up this pic. Beautiful.

catching up

2010-11-07T20:11:00.000-06:00

Silly girl

Carving pumpkins

Happy belated Halloween

My cute farmer

Sweet Ladybug and Grandma (and cousin William)

Boo at the Zoo

Enjoying licking the beaters after making cupcakes for Cal's 3rd b-day. (which is today) Yum!

I will add Cal's b-day pics soon- along with updates on both.

Caleb's early birthday surprise

2010-11-05T06:50:00.000-05:00

While enjoying our weekly Thursday night dinner with my parents last night, my mom had the great idea to stick a couple (three to be exact) candles in the apple crisp and sing Happy Birthday to Cal. He will be three on Sunday and we have ben talking about it but there was SO much pure happiness and surprise when we sang to him last night that we couldn't help but to sing to him again. My dad was able to capture some of the bliss on camera. Happy Birthday Buddy!

a little help please...

2010-10-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

This is supposed to be part of a gift to my dad for his birthday. "We love our Papa". Maybe next time I will enlist the help of someone else or some Curious George fruit snacks.

cutie patootie

Making cookies with Mom

2010-10-20T06:53:00.000-05:00

Cal wanted to make something "with eggs in it" during Allie's naptime on Monday. (He's a professional egg cracker. :)) So we made leaf and turkey shaped sugar cookies.

He has a mouth full of dough in this pic. Silly boy.

Checking on our project.

Kids are so fun, aren't they?!

Poses, pigtails and pink

2010-10-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

I had the camera at the lunch table the other day and told the babes to strike a pose... this is what I got. :)

My first attempt at "doing" Allie's hair. I think it looks pretty cute. Here she is having fun with her "barrel of monkeys" and watching Baby Einstein. (a rare treat- she wouldn't take a nap and I needed to make dinner for my mom in law who just had surgery)

I am not sure why she ca't look at the camera today- but here she is modeling her new bib and cookie cutters. Yay Fall!

The girls of the family went to a bridal shower on Saturday and I couldn't resist capturing the girls in pink.

Allie and Grandma

The Ducky Pajamas

2010-10-01T07:46:00.000-05:00

Sweet Cal has decided he's ok with getting his picture taken again. Thanks for the cute smile, bud. :)

Aww- Cal loves to hold Allie and most of the time she puts up with it.

Notice the Pjs that A has on and then look at the pic from a previous posting from February of this year...

Yep, she can still wear them! Shocking!

She is quite a peanut and if you have had the peanut conversation with me- sorry. I just can't get over how tiny she is- especially because my firstborn is such a big boy. He is about to be 3 (early November) and is in 4t clothes and weighs in at 42 whopping lbs. and probabaly just about that tall. He is often mistaken for a kid twice his age which has me interjecting- He can't (and won't really) have a conversation with you about kindergarten, he's two.

Happy Friday!

Lazy Days and Crazy Days

2010-09-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we spent a lazy day at home. If you know me, then you know this is completely out of my comfort zone (weird, huh?!) I like to be on the move- but I have recently noticed that the more Cal is allowed to just do his thing- the happier he is. He does not enjoy going out and seeing and doing unless, of course, he is going to the zoo to see his beloved animals or to the Family Museum to see his beloved (stuffed versions of) animals.

Allie doens't seem to mind staying home- although she seems to be the more social of the two. She is a player! She plays and plays and plays. She is so busy- she will move her toys, climb in her toys, look at books, play with Tux, then move all of her toys to a new location and start over.

We ran around in our pjs until lunch time. (some ran literally and others figuratively but we all had fun)

Notice the necklace that Allie has on- she loves playing dress up already. :)

I have started attending a MOPS program at the church I grew up in and we have all really enjoyed our morning out. Allie is ready to go to bed when we get home from our busy morning and Cal is ready to play (preferably in Allie's crib). - check out the name tags on their backs. :) There are three Caleb's in Cal's class- and we thought we were being original.

Miss and her blankie

wishful thinking: this is Caleb getting ready to rock himself to sleep

actual: launching himself off of the chair and running down the hallway...

Hope you are all enjoying your Thursday!

more random pics

2010-09-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

Cal and Allie playing in the backyard

Silly smile

Allie jumping on the bed while Cal is trying to watch Sesame Street. He is so patient with her.

taking a jumping break

enjoying some plastic ice cream.

update in pics

2010-08-27T07:08:00.000-05:00

Allie's favorite place to watch a morning cartoon. It doesn't look at all comfortable and she needs help getting out- but she has claimed it as her special spot.

Handsome boy! Caleb's favorite thing to do in the kitchen is help me crack eggs. He talks about chickens and chicks and eggs (he knows the whole life-cycle :)). He would not, could not eat a cooked egg -but he sure enjoys cracking them.

WWF going down in the crib

Cal loves to play in Allie's crib and she doesn't mind the company

Miss Hook- she loves her snack cup so much that she doesn't even eat out of it. She just sticks it over her hand and goes on with her business. God help you if you take it off...

Tux is always looking for a hand out and he usually gets one.

Some other news:

Allie has 5 top teeth coming in to join her lonely two in the bottom that she has had since 9 months.

She is also walking everywhere and into everything. My mom was right when she said it would be harder to potty train Cal when Allie was walking. So glad I listened to her sage advice.

Potty training is going wonderfully. Cal is a pro and now prefers to stand up. What a big boy!

I now send Allie to wake Cal up from his naps- she loves it and he wakes up happy. These kids bring so much joy into my day.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

First Haircut!

2010-08-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

Miss A got her first haircut on Saturday, August 14. She really needed to get her bangs cut, they were forever in her eyes even though I tried to keep them out with clips. She was also born with a long piece of hair by each of hers ears (curls) and a long piece in the back (rat tail). I have laughed about these silly chunks of hair for over a year now and they needed to go.

Such a good girl. (I think she enjoyed all of the attention. )

Caleb was having some fun NOT getting his hair cut. :)

ok- my mom is getting tears in her eyes looking at this pic. She looks so much like me as a little girl.

Ta-Da! What a pretty princess!

earning their keep

2010-08-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

I took this pic of Allie yesterday while I was (trying) to vacuum the kitchen floor. (she actually climbed up on it while I was still using it- doesn't she look so proud!) She has become such a climber in the past week which I am not prepared for. Cal was (and is) not a climber and I now understand all of the extra drama that ensues with a fearless child trying to climb up onto anything available. Yikes.

Well anyway, this pic reminded me of another picure.

Cal at 14 months swiffering the living room.

Clint and I need to have a whole house full of kids- they could take over all of the chores. :)

Eat, Drink and Be Married...

2010-08-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

Clint and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary ( a week early) with a week-end trip to Peoria, IL. C surprised me by taking me to a winery that was on the way. We enjoyed lunch and a bottle of wine in a vineyard by ourselves. How romantic. :)

(the view from our lunch table)

We stayed at a beautiful hotel right on Peoria Lake. It was such a slice of heaven!

another view of the lake

We pretty much spent our C and H time eating, drinking, shopping and sleeping. Now that's a vacation.

Happy 6 years, babe!

Family Reunion

2010-07-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

We spent the week-end in Des Moines with my mom's side of the family- we had a wonderful time catching up and spending quality time with the fam. Here are a few of my favorite moments (that were captured on film) ...

Caleb and Allie loved the fish in my uncle's backyard pond.

Feeding the fish

Hide and seek with Grandma

I thought this pic was so neat- Grandma lovin' on Cal

Backyard bonfire

the girls

(Thank you to everyone who made this week-end possible and a BIG thank you to Sara, Corey and Truman. We loved staying with you.)

Fun in the rain

2010-07-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight after dinner, Cal wanted to go outside and play in the backyard. We opened the back door to let him see how hard it was raining outside and then decided- what the heck?! Let's have some fun!

Don't worry- the girls got in on the fun, too.

Happy 1st Birthday, Allie!

2010-07-05T07:29:00.000-05:00

Allison turned 1 on Saturday and we celebrated with our family and some friends with breakfast and some fun in the backyard.

One of Allie's favorite parts of her morning was being pulled around in a wagon with her favorite pal, Tux. (He sure enjoyed it, too.)

Big bro had to test out the cake to make sure it was safe- what a guy!

She sure enjoyed herself.

Allie wanted to sit in her wagon after cake so that's where she sat to open her gifts. Such wonderfully girlie gifts- purses, dresses, strollers, dollies and a princess car. What more could a girl ask for?!

Allie and daddy waving for the camera

After naps we played at the family museum. Both kids had tons of fun with both mommy and daddy around.

Playing with daddy at the dino exhibit

After the family museum we went to Chick-fil-a to do a little more playing and some eating. Then headed home to get ready for bed. Another highlight of the exciting day was that Allie took 13 unassisted steps. She is really getting good at this walking thing!

Happy Birthday you sweet girl!

A sweet girl and her blanket... (and her cute brother)

2010-06-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

Sarah's visit

2010-06-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

My best friend from college came to visit last week-end and we enjoyed every minute of it. She brought lots of goodies for each of us- wine for the adults and Cyclones gear for the kids. Allie fell in love with her immediately while Caleb took a little time to warm up to her but eventually came around.

We went to the park with Sarah on Saturday afternoon and ran around. The kids had a great time- it was a bit hot for the adults. :) Then Clint watched the kids and we went out for dinner and a movie. What a treat.

Thanks for coming Sarah! We love you!

So much going on...

2010-06-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

Happy 11 months you sweet baby girl!

Miss A has discovered that she can walk around just about anything in our house. She has taken a couple of steps on her own- but is not quite confident enough to start walking without a little help.

Reading her favorite book- "Where"s Bunny?" standing at her changing table

cutie

Allie's signature as of lately. She will let anyone know EXACTLY what she would like. :)

Caleb has starting his mama's "Potty Training Boot Camp" and has performed amazingly well. He had 3 accidents the first day (yesterday) and NO accidents today. Grandma and Daddy have been a super help as well. Caleb is so proud to go on the potty and loves all of the praise that he receives when he succeeds. What a big boy!

Playing before bed.

Jack and Allie

2010-06-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

My friend Nikki took some fantastic pics of her son Jack and Allie last week-end. They are 7 weeks apart and so precious together! To see the pics go here. Enjoy! (and thanks a million, Nikki!)

St. Louis

2010-06-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

We had an amazing time on St. Louis! We left at 3am on Saturday morning and the kids slept most of the way there which made the drive super easy for everyone.

Caleb's first favorite thing- an escalator!

The pool was ON TOP of the hotel (29th floor)- you can see the Arch in the background.

Jean and Allie cuddling

Leslie (my SIL), Andy and me

Andy and his cool niece

By the end of the trip our kids were TIRED.

(We also went to the zoo- but I didn't have the camera. It was amazing!)

Getting ready...

2010-05-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

We are (almost) ready for our week-end trip to St. Louis to see Uncle Andrew, Aunt Leslie, Steve and Jean and Grandma and Papa. We are so excited to spend some quality time with all of you. We love you!

Beating the heat

2010-05-25T07:32:00.000-05:00

Watch out world!

2010-05-16T20:24:00.001-05:00

Here she comes!

May 11, 2010

Mother's Day

2010-05-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed Mother's Day this year. Here are some highlights:

Then we went to the zoo with Grandma and Papa...

...and Caleb's favorite animal was the goat- last year it was the giraffe and we have been talking about the giraffes all winter. Well, now it's the goat's turn.

Looking at the goats with Grandma.

(he was also good at pointing out their food)

I love this picture.

2 1/2!

2010-05-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 1/2 Birthday, big boy!

On Friday, May 7, our big boy turned 2 1/2! Caleb and I celebrated by going to the Jefferson Jubilee. (the school I attended as a child and worked at before Caleb was born.) It was good to see my former students and their parents and just to have fun playing games with Cal.

The greatest part of the whole adventure for Caleb was the CAKE WALK. We walked into my mom's classroom and it was filled with all kinds of deliciousness. Caleb (of course) wanted "cake please, mama". I told him we would play one game of the cake walk with the other 20 or so kids who also wanted a cake. We walked around the carpeted squares and ended up on "6" when the music ended. Sure enough the number drawn was 6! I took Cal over to the cake table and his eyes got huge when I asked him which one he wanted- no hesistation. the one with sprinkles.

We have all enjoyed his winnings. :)

And now the stats:

(keep in mind that my boy has been off the charts since he was a year old- he is now way, way off the charts.)

Height:

40 inches tall

weight:

40 lbs.

I think these numbers are quite ironic- at 2 years old he was 37 inches tall and 37 lbs. Hopefully he is not 62 inches tall someday and only weighing 62 lbs. :)

updates on his favorite phrases coming soon.

10 months

2010-05-03T20:33:00.000-05:00

Sweetie pie

Looking for Caleb

my lovies

Allison at 10 months you;

*weigh 22.2 lbs. and are 29 inches long

*sleep 12 hours with one feeding at 3am

*drink out of your Minnie Mouse sippys like a pro

*are getting your first tooth (left side, bottom)

*love to feed yourself

*babble a lot! dadda, mama and just general conversation babble

*pull your socks off whenever you get the chance

*adore your brother

*are such a lovey, dovey, snuggle girl

We love you Allie Bear!

Cake with Henry

2010-04-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

On Friday evening we enjoyed celebrating our God-son Henry's 3rd birthday. As you can see Caleb was more than willing to help Henry with the cake-eating part of the celebration.

As both boys were finishing their first piece of cake, Henry asked for a second piece. Seeing as it was his birthday his mother obliged and Henry quickly added "and one for Caleb!" What a guy. (yes, Caleb got another piece of cake, too.) Aren't friends wonderful?!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Henry!

We love you!

Better late than never...

2010-04-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

Happy 9 months, Allie!

Getting Tux- she loves that dog. :)

Diva

cartoons in bed

Cal with his friends

bits and pieces of our week

2010-04-13T15:27:00.002-05:00

Allie sporting a cute bed-head look. (if you look closely you can see a big curl on the top of her head.) Could she get any cuter?!

Caleb and his friends eating breakfast.

On a side note: Caleb's animals each have a special animal friend. The cow and the pig are friends, the giraffe and the alligator are friends and the tiger and the elephant are friends. Now, some of his animals are still waiting to be matched with a friend- but once matched, they MUST go everywhere together. There is panic in the Cox household when the cow has been found but the pig is nowhere in sight. Caleb walks around with his lonely cow saying "mama, the pig! mama, the pig!" until said pig has been found.

Allie's feet.

Love the pics of the crossed feet- both of my kids' ultrasounds showed them with their feet crossed in utero- and they both sit like this at the table.

New shoes for summer.

What a fun week-end! (very picture heavy)

2010-04-05T19:15:00.001-05:00

Easter egg hunt at Denny and Tonya's. Caleb would pick up an egg and then break it open to get the candy and leave the shell on the ground. Silly boy.

After he found candy he would hold it up and yell, "YEAH!"

Allie playing with her cousin William and Aunt Stene.

Hamming it up for the camera- oh boys!

Easter morning- the Easter Bunny left some goodies for my kiddos. Caleb hanging in his new Curious George blow up chair and checking out his new "Little People" video.

Allie "modeling" her new swimsuit.

Caleb's first Cadbury Egg

Allie and grandma

My babies

Caleb is two- need I say more?! :)

I am not sure if there was anything on the ground- but this is the best pic we got- oh well, maybe next year. :)

Caleb hunting eggs at my parent's house. He celebrated the same way when he found candy in those eggs, too. "YEAH!"

Happy Easter! Our Savior Lives!

Silly smiles and crocodiles...

2010-03-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

Eating her breakfast of pancakes and oranges- we are following "baby-led weaning" and Allie loves eating whatever the rest of the family is eating. Messy but fun. (and easier for mommy)

Silly girl

I just can't get enough of her silly faces! :)

Caleb LOVES his animals and this morning he informed me, "zook (look) mama, a zoo!" after he had put all of his animals in different rooms in the barn. What a smart boy!

"Mama, amuls is seeping, na-night"

(animals is sleeping)

We have arrived!

2010-03-20T20:55:00.001-05:00

Well, actually we arrived last Saturday but I have been a little busy settling into my new digs and trying to recouperate to blog. My apologies. :)
Everything went pretty well considering it was raining and several inches of snow had just melted- both basements were flooded on the morning of the move... but it all got better from there. Nothing and no one was broken after the 5 hour moving stint and all of my things fit into my new house- maybe not the way I imagined- but they fit.
Here's my TOP Five list for the new house;
5. My kids have their own rooms- hallelujah!
4. I live in Bettendorf again- its good to be back old friend
3. I have an eat-in kitchen where I can be with my kids and not have to run between a kitchen and a dining room during meals
2. My hubby did a fantastic job and everything in the bedrooms and living room feels brand new. Good job, babe.

1. The backyard! It is approximately 3x the size of our old backyard and Caleb is in love. His favorite thing to do in his new backyard is to pick up all of the sticks and then to wave them around while singing his favorite songs. Some are unrecognizable while others are quite clear such as "Old McDonald", "Jesus Loves Me" and "Twinkle Twinkle". Here are the pics to prove it.

Sweet Miss

Enjoying breakfast in our new kitchen (love those blueberry pancakes)

All kinds of new things...

2010-03-10T08:22:00.000-06:00

New Thing #1

Both of my kiddos have had ear infections this past week- neither of them has ever had one before. yuck!

New Thing #2

New things to keep my home-bound children busy and happy. "The Boat" was a hit. :)

New Thing #3

Another month older and 21 1/2 lbs. Go girl!

New thing #4

A big girl car seat! She has only ridden in it once, but seemed to enjoy herself.

New Thing #5

A new pink sippy cup-

and

New Thing #6

A new house! We are moving on Saturday. :)

diapers

2010-02-24T13:03:00.007-06:00

So, as many of you know- I am ALWAYS trying to save money on the things that I have to buy. Right now at Diapers.com I ordered 2 big jumbo packs of Luvs diapers (size 4 (180 diapers) and 6 (120 diapers) for the same amount that I pay at Target for their generic up and up diapers and the shipping at diapers.com is free for orders over $49. (yep, that would be my order.) They are being delivered to my door tomorrow. Hooray! No more trying to fit boxes of diapers into a cart with my two kiddos!!

They also have a promo where you can receive $10 off your first order if you type in heathercox in the promo code box- oh how I love promo codes. This not only gets you $10 off but then it puts $5 of credit towards my next purchase. How can you go wrong?!

Then, if that wasn't enough for you- there is a mail in rebate for $14.97 click here to print it out. Oh I am giddy. Buying diapers and saving money- heavenly.

What we have been up to...

2010-02-20T20:21:00.001-06:00

Soon to be a Bettendorf Bulldog- just like his mom and dad- oh and both grandmas and grandpas. Wow- what a tradition!

Sweet pea snuggling with Daddy after a bath.

Cal LOVES water- the sink can keep him entertained for a whole 20 minutes on a cold, snowy day. (and we have had a LOT of those around here) Will it ever be Spring?!

Allie has been trying several new foods- she loves Ritz crackers and bananas.

Drumroll.... Caleb's first happy meal. He ate 2 of his chicken nuggets and all of his fries. big stuff.

I wish that I could say that I have been lacking in my blogging because I have been organizing and packing my house. no. I am in denial about the whole moving ordeal and have been enjoying quiet evenings relishing the non-packing (reading books, cooking, etc.) Hopefully this moving thing won't be a big deal and everything will ~~pack itself~~ go smoothly.

SOLD

2010-02-08T19:02:00.000-06:00

Our house sold in 6 days! Praise the Lord! Good-bye 1506 here we come 3107. :)